The Database Of All The Reviews

Kingfisher Knowledge: Archeology

Trevor Barnes

Foreword by Tony Robinson

Non-Fiction (Series)

Ages 8 to 12

Houghton Mifflin, 2007, 978-0-7534-6158-7

  You might think that archeology is all about old things and buildings but it is actually the study of these old things so that we can find out about people who lived many years ago, people who died so long ago that they cannot tell us their stories themselves. Archeology gives us the means “to be their voice.”

  This book begins by taking a look at archeology, describing its history as a scientific discipline and then going on to look at how archeologists work. Readers will soon realize that archeologists have to be very patient and systematic when they work. Even the tiniest fragment from a site has to be saved just in case it might provide some vital piece of information. One site may take many years to be fully excavated. Because sites can be found anywhere archeologists draw on all kinds of resources to gather background information including written records, maps, and other sources.

  In the second half of the book the author describes some of the most famous archeological sites that have been worked on around the world. These include Catal Huyuk, Ur and Babylon, the Palace at Knossos, the tomb of Tutankhamen, the Terra-Cotta Army, and Pompeii. For each site the author provides the reader with fascinating information about the history of the site, its significance, its recovery and more. Plenty of annotated photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps give readers the means to see what the sites and the artifacts look like.

  At the end of each section the author provides readers with a chapter summery which is wonderfully written and which truly captures the essence of the proceeding capture. A “Go Further…” section encourages readers to delve deeper into the subject with suggested reading, Internet sites and more. In addition there is a glossary and index at the back of the book.

  This book not only covers the areas that one would expect but the author also looks at the ‘big picture’ as well, talking about the future of archeology and how change has affected the discipline. Superbly researched, carefully thought out, and beautifully presented, this is an excellent volume for young people.

 

An Online Children’s Book Review Journal

Through The Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews

Online book reviews for the child in your life featuring both new and popular children's book authors

 

Kids book reviews, including book reviews of chapter books, novels, picture books, and non-fiction from famous children’s literature authors. Your review site of books for children.